The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-12-31
CONNECTICUT.
THE LATE REV. JOHN LYON.

We announced last week the death OF
Rev. John Lyon, of Bridgeport,-a very
sad and unexpected loss to our church.
The LEADER brings further intelligence
of the bereavement, and in editorial and
correspondence just and feeling tribute is
paid to the ability, worth and Christian
character and usefulness of the deceased.
The following is taken mostly from the
Bridgeport Standard, and revised for the
columns of the LEADER, whence we copy
and present, still fur sher condensed.
The five weeks illness of Rev. John Lyon,
pastor of the Church of the Redeemer, ter
minated in death Wednesday, Dec IA, at 1880.
On Sunday, Nov. 10. Mr.. Lyon undertook to
preach in the forenoon. but was unable to
finish his sermon and since then the pulpit
has been temporarily supplied. The i'm
mediate cause of the death was an affection
of the stomach, and the sickness has been
painful. His condition has been anxiously
watched not only by relatives and immediate
friends and neighbors but by large congre-
cation of church people and the community
at large. Mr.. Lyon was q most active worker
in his church and took deep interest in all
the social events connected with it. In the
pulpit he was fearless in his attacks upon sin
and evil-doers. He commanded the respect of
the entire community, was tireless in every
good work, and under him his church had
reached high degree of prosperity and use
fulness. Hisdeath is a general bereavement.
Mr.. Lyon was born in Glasgow, Scotland,
Dec. 81, 1854 He received his early education
in the National schools of Glasgow, and at the
age of fourteen became attached to the
Bridgeton public school as a pupil teacher,
remaining there four years, attending at the
same time Glasgow University, which he en-
tered in his sixteenth year. He came to this
country IN 1867, arriving on Washington's
Birthday. Proceeding West, he taught school
in Michigan for nearly three years, and at
Detroit married Miss Carrie G. Barnum,
youngest daughter of Henry Barnum. for
merly of Bridgeport He removed to Nebras-
ka studied for the ministry, and on Jan. 22,
1871, was admitted to Orders in the Episcopal
Church. On April 6. 1873. he was ordained to
the priesthood. Withdrawing from the min
istry of the Episcopal church in 1874, he re-
ceived calls from the Unitarian churches in
Bolton and Ware, Mass. He accepted the lat
ter and was duly installed.
On November 16, 1876, he received a call to
the Universaist Church of Bridgeport, and
entered upon the duties of pastor in Deem
Der of the same year. In 1882 he visited Scot
land and in 1886 he received the honorary de-
gree of Master OF Arts from Tufts College.
Mr.. Lyon leaves wife and four daughters,
the eldest being sixteen years of age. He was
prominent in several societies, being repre-
sentative-elect to the Supreme Lodge, knights
of Pythias. and Grand Chaplain of the Grand
Lodge in the same order. He was a member
of Mithra Lodge. X. of p, of Arcanum Lodge,
T. O. O. F.. and of st. ohns Lodge, F. & A. NJ.
The Funeral Service.
The funeral service held was in the church.
Friday. at the hour of 2. There was an i'm
mense assemblage.
The pews, aisles, and Railways were all
tbronged. The singing was By male quar-
tet and Prof. It. A. Spinning presided at
the organ. Rev. W. H. Dearborn. of Hart
ford, read the Scriptures, and Rev. Mr.. Kuick-
erbocker, of Meriden. offered prayer. The
funeral discourse was preached by Rev. j.
Smith Dodge of Stamford. who made impress
sive and solemn reparks.
The floral offerings were elaborate and beau
tiful. The pulpit desk was draped in white
and festoons of white were placed around the
platform. White ribbons marked Off the seats
reserved tor relatives, delegations from So
cieties, etc.
The body lay in state at the church from
~ to o'clock Saturday and was viewed by
hundreds of citizens. The casket was cedar
case covered with black broadcloth.
An active member of the parish in private
note adds:
The expressions of sympathy with the fam
lily and church are fervent aud from all sects.
Clergy of several denominations attended the
funeral. Every detail was carefully looked
after and the ceremonies were very smooth,
soothing aud satisfactory. The prayer by
Rev. Mr.. Knickerboeker, the address by Rev.
Mr.. Dodge and the music,-each and all were
Exceptionally beautiful, and won most favor.
able comments from those not of our fold.
As we are told by those who conducted the
post mortem examination, they found
"ehronie liberation of the stomach" and it
was not possible for him to have recovered.